MCC student runs food drive for Molokai residents

Struggles and issues related to closure of ranch inspire effort

October 15, 2008

KAHULUI - Maui Community College student Caitlin Harrowby is conducting a food drive for Friendly Island residents who are suffering following the closure of Molokai Ranch.

"I really wanted to help the people of Molokai because they have been struggling with the closure of Molokai Ranch and all the issues brought up," the 20-year-old Wailuku resident explained.

"I wanted to show support for them, and I felt the way Molokai Ranch handled things were very coldhearted.

Article Photos

CAITLIN HARROWBY

"I felt the people of Molokai were right in what the believe in for Laau Point and that we on Maui want to show them support for doing what is pono (right)," she said.

Molokai Ranch's owner, Molokai Properties Ltd., closed the ranch and its other operations in April, saying it lost millions of dollars on ranch operations and was facing continued stiff community opposition to its plans for luxury homes above Laau Point.

The closure led to the layoffs of 120 employees on an island whose population is about 7,500.

For more information: Caitlin Harrowby, 264-0375 or harrowby@hawaii.edu.

The food drive began Sept. 25 and will end on Oct. 25. The end date is because the goods must be shipped in time for Thanksgiving by the Maui Food Bank, Harrowby said.

So far, there are three collection points for the non-perishable goods: the Food Bank, MCC and Maui High School.

Harrowby graduated from Maui High in 2006, and her mother, Kathleen, is the librarian there. Donations from the public can be dropped off at the school's main office; those on campus can deposit their food at the library from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.

For details of the other sites, see the box above.

Harrowby also plans to hold collections outside stores, is looking for an Upcountry drop-off site and is seeking donations from grocery stores.

She is conducting the project with the MCC Peace Club, which is doing it as part of the ONE Campaign.

The ONE Campaign is trying to raise public awareness about global poverty, hunger, disease and efforts to fight such problems in developing countries. For information, see www.one.org.

As of early this week, Harrowby didn't know how much had been collected, but she wants to gather as much as she can.

"I want to raise enough so that we help the majority of Molokai residents," she said. "I don't want anybody to be left out. I want to be able to help every family in Molokai."